Outbreaks of a new mating type (A2) of late blight (Phythopthora infestans) and the spread of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) were the most notable events among fungi and bacteria during the last 10 to 15 years in the Andes. The emergence of the A2 mating type of P. infestans was probably a result of seed movement from the Northern hemisphere. Black scurf caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani spread in Peru and Bolivia causing economic losses estimated at 5 to 10%. A high incidence of common scab on potato tubers, caused by the bacteria Streptomyces scabies was found in some localities in Bolivia. Among the emerging viruses, the NTN strains of PVY have been found in some countries including Peru. Recently, two other viruses have been found spreading in potatoes. One is coded SB26/29 and is transmitted by Russelliana solanicola, the first psyllid vector found for a plant virus. The other emerging virus is coded SB41 and is apparently also new to potatoes. It causes a severe mosaic on the affected plants and the virus is transmitted experimentally only by grafting. Some other viruses of minor importance have also been detected in potatoes.